Inverted Pouches for Fluid Containment in Specimen Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing specimen retrieval devices face challenges in effectively collecting and retaining tissue specimens and associated fluids within the collection bag, particularly in preventing fluid migration and debris from escaping during and after specimen collection.
Innovation Solution
A specimen retrieval device with an elongated shaft and end effector supporting a collection bag featuring a plurality of inverted pouches on its inner surface, which are arranged in rows and offset from each other, and a pull string assembly to close the bag, ensuring fluid and debris are captured and retained within the bag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a simple collection bag is used for specimen retrieval, then the device complexity is reduced, but fluid migration and debris escape cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The collection bag is segmented into multiple functional layers: an outer collection bag for receiving the specimen and an inner pouch with inverted pouches for fluid containment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function - the outer bag provides structural containment while the inner pouch with inverted pouches prevents fluid migration, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner pouch is nested within the outer collection bag, creating a multi-layer containment system. The inverted pouches of the inner pouch are positioned to face the specimen, providing an additional barrier against fluid migration. This nesting approach enhances fluid containment reliability while maintaining a compact structure that does not excessively increase device complexity.
2Reliability
If inverted pouches are added to the inner surface of the collection bag, then fluid migration is prevented, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted pouches are pre-formed as integral features of the inner pouch during the manufacturing process, rather than being added as separate components. This preliminary action allows the complex inverted pouch structure to be created in a single fabrication step, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the fluid retention reliability.
3Reliability
If a pull string assembly is included to close the collection bag, then specimen security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pull string assembly is designed to be actuated by the user through a simple pulling motion, which automatically closes the collection bag opening and secures the specimen. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex automated closure systems or additional actuation components, thereby improving specimen security while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A collection bag for specimen retrieval includes an outer surface and an inner surface. The inner surface includes pouches that prevent fluid from migrating out of the collection bag. The collection bag can be selectively coupled to an end effector of a specimen retrieval device. The pouches may be arranged in one or more rows about the inner surface of the collection bag. The pouches can be inverted so that pockets of the pouches open toward a bottom end portion of the collection bag.